Welcome! I’m Margot.
she/her/hers
Licensed Social Worker
Certified Psychotherapist
Specializing in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and IFS
Let’s take the next step on your healing journey… together.
Words are not always enough.
I felt something was missing as I deepened into my psychotherapy work. Many of my clients could talk in detail about their feelings yet were still confused and disconnected from themselves and others. Or they couldn’t find the words for a feeling or experience they knew was in them.
Maybe you can relate.
As I studied more about trauma, I learned how the body plays an essential role in its treatment.
So, I decided to pursue advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-centered approach that aims to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, low-self esteem, and unresolved trauma. I then began learning and integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which engages in bilateral stimulation to treat traumatic memories. And Internal Family Systems (IFS) supports this integrated approach. It gives my clients a clear framework to understand and address the root causes of their struggles, allowing them to develop a healthier, more compassionate relationship with themselves.
With this approach, we’ll get to know feelings that possibly were not processed – either from a big event like a car accident or with things more subtle in daily life. Those subtleties may be the story we tell ourselves, like “I am not enough” or “I am too much.”
Focusing on the mind-body connection allows us to treat your WHOLE SELF and appreciate long-lasting change.
My Approach to Therapy
You can show up as you are.
I invite you into a space where you can be authentically you. There are no expectations of how you show up and no “right” way of being in therapy, nor is there one “right way” of how our work will appear.
Therapy with me is not a “one-size-fits-all” in treatment but instead pertains to your specific needs. You are what matters most here.
I provide a space that’s inclusive and welcoming for all folx.
In my practice, I welcome people of all sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, and religions.
I believe traditional psychotherapy can often focus on pathologies and fail to consider how trauma and oppression impact an individual.
Sometimes, therapy can also place the therapist in the role of power or ‘all-knower.’ In contrast, I firmly believe my clients have the wisdom to know what they need for healing. I see myself as a collaborator in people’s therapeutic journeys.
I will help you connect the dots.
My earlier career working with children gives me insight into how we behave and think as adults. You did the absolute best possible as a kid and growing up and may have figured out a lot on your own. Or maybe you didn’t feel you could make any of your choices.
Regardless, you made the best decisions to gain as much connection and safety as possible with those around you, and often, the patterns and behaviors that used to serve us in the past aren’t helping the way they once did.
We’ll connect the dots between your past and the present, process old wounds, learn the skills to communicate more effectively and find the courage to live unashamed.
How is therapy with me different?
Clients tell me I am grounded, curious, and compassionate. I am intentional about being a container for big emotions while also being my authentic self. Even though therapy can be messy and complicated, my clients report feeling a lot of joy, relief, and even laughter in our sessions.
I like to think outside the box. I believe therapy is best when it is individualized, and there is no “one size fits all” treatment. I believe we heal in a relationship – with ourselves and others. The therapist + client relationship is a centerpiece of this healing.
I love being a therapist.
It’s an honor to be a trusted part of people’s healing. Therapy isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s beautiful and inspiring to see people grow. I am passionate about supporting people who are supporting themselves. I take the commitment you’re making very seriously.
Am I the right therapist for you?
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A good fit for my practice is someone who is ready to explore their inner world with curiosity and openness. If you find yourself feeling stuck by perfectionism, past experiences, or the pressure of daily life, and you're looking for compassionate support to navigate these challenges, therapy with me could be a great match. My clients often appreciate a collaborative and relational approach, where they are seen, heard, and understood as unique individuals. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, want to work through past trauma, or are looking to reconnect with your creativity and sense of self, I’m here to guide you on that journey. If you're someone who values authenticity, growth, and finding balance in life, we might be a great fit!
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I’m passionate about helping people who are ready to engage in the therapeutic process and are looking for a collaborative partnership. If someone isn’t open to exploring their feelings or participating actively in their own growth, therapy might not be the right fit. It’s also important to note that I’m not equipped to provide certain types of intensive support, like crisis intervention or acute psychiatric care.
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When I am not working, I usually spend time with my friends, family, and beloved cat, Bailey. (Dog people – don’t worry, I am a dog person, too!)
I love long walks, making candles, playing the viola, engaging with my local synagogue, and traveling.
Therapy Approaches
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EMDR Therapy
Learn how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) effectively helps process traumatic memories, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression for lasting healing.
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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Discover how Sensorimotor Psychotherapy integrates body awareness and movement to effectively address trauma and emotional challenges, promoting profound healing and self-regulation.
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IFS
Explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can effectively promote healing by helping you understand and integrate your inner parts, leading to greater self-awareness and balance.
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Therapy Intensives
If you want to feel better faster, therapy intensives are for you! Intensives are extended sessions that provide facilitate deeper and quicker healing through focused therapeutic engagement.
Clinical Experience
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I am licensed in the District of Columbia (LC50080341) Virginia (0904014215). In 2012, I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Social Work from The National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS). I have been a practicing clinician ever since. Before beginning my private practice, I worked as a school social worker, in-home family therapist, and clinician at a group practice clinician.
From 2018 to 2020, I participated in a two-year program at the Washington School of Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Program, where I received a postgraduate certificate training specializing in providing psychotherapy with children, teens, and families.
For more details about my certifications and training, including the expertise and commitment behind my work, please see the following tab.
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EMDR Certified Practitioner
As an EMDR practitioner, I have completed comprehensive training and consultation to utilize this modality effectively. The certification process included:
Completion of 60+ hours of specialized training and continuing education through accredited programs.
Over 20 hours of consultation to develop and refine clinical skills.
Ongoing continuing education and bimonthly consultation
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1 and Level 2 Trained
Level 1: Trauma Themes and Stabilization
This foundational level focuses on helping clients develop emotional regulation and safety in their bodies. Training included 80+ hours of coursework in somatic interventions for trauma stabilization and processing.Level 2: Developmental and Attachment Themes
This advanced training builds on Level 1, focusing on the impact of early relational experiences and developmental trauma. Training included 150+ hours of coursework exploring how attachment dynamics shape emotional and somatic patterns.Internal Family Systems (IFS) Training with Bonnie Weiss
IFS Basics Class Series (16+ hours): An in-depth introduction to the foundational concepts of Internal Family Systems, including Self-leadership, Parts work, and the role of the Self in healing.
IFS Advanced Class Series (12+ hours): Expanded training that deepens the understanding of complex IFS applications, including working with challenging parts and navigating system-wide dynamics.
IFS Exiles Class Series (12+ hours): Specialized training focused on understanding and healing Exiled Parts, with an emphasis on creating safety, compassion, and integration within the internal system.
Throughout these series, I actively participated in weekly practice sessions, ongoing consultation, and readings to refine my skills using the IFS framework. A significant portion of the coursework and practice was self-experiential, allowing me to cultivate a deeper personal connection to the work. Additionally, I engage in regular supervision with IFS-certified practitioners to ensure continued growth and the highest level of competency in applying this framework effectively in my clinical practice.
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Teaching Assistant for Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 2: Assisted in delivering 120 hours of advanced training focused on trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy (June 2023 – May 2023).
Graduate School Guest Lecturer: Delivered lectures at the National Catholic School of Social Service on topics related to clinical social work and trauma (November 2021 and 2023).
Facilitator, Therapeutic Arts Training Program in Kenya: Over the course of three weeks, presented on topics as trauma, somatic regulation, and therapeutic arts treatment as part of Global Alliance for East Africa program in Karen, Kenya (January 2023).
Continuing Education Presenter: Provided training for the American University Counseling Department Staff on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (September 2024).
In-person therapy in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Therapy: Healing from the Comfort of Home
Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That’s why I offer virtual therapy—a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.
Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting our session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.
Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. You can save time, avoid transportation hassles, and focus entirely on your healing. Our sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.
